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Am I Too Young For a Hair Transplant?

Nobody wants to be the young, balding guy. But unfortunately, the genetic cards are simply stacked against some of us holding onto our hair for the long haul. Though most men will experience hair loss during their lifetimes, according to GQ, about one-fifth will notice hair thinning in their late-20s. A smaller number even see balding in their teens.

However, thanks to advances in hair transplant technology and a burgeoning acceptance of men going under-the-knife for cosmetic procedures, more guys are looking into hair transplants. It’s a highly-successful surgery for the right candidates, but to qualify, men typically can’t be too young. So why does age matter for a hair transplant in the first place? How young is too young? And at what age do men qualify?

Why Can’t Younger Men Get Hair Transplants?

Let’s start with the possible bad news. If you’re younger than about your mid-twenties, chances are you’re too young for a hair transplant. However, there is no one correct age. As every human and every head is different, so is your particular case of hair loss. If your family tree contains many bald men, and you’re losing hair in your 20s, chances are you’ll be destined to join the lineage of shiny scalps. As you near age 30, you should have a better idea where you’re headed on the Norwood scale.

But why do men have to reach a certain age for a hair transplant anyway?

It all comes down to biology and the desire to create incredible results that last for life. Jumping the gun often results in that unnatural, obviously transplanted look as you begin age. Since hair transplants are permanent and derived entirely from your own hair, it’s crucial to follow a few critical components before committing to surgery.

First off, if you’re too young, it’s nearly impossible to know how rapidly hair is falling out or the opposite – the number of hairs you have available for transplantation. Since surgeons must use your own “donor” hair to replace the missing hairs, they need to know how much hair can be safely “harvested” and how much to leave behind. Otherwise, an unbalanced look may occur later in life.

Also, hair transplant surgeons are essentially artists when it comes to creating natural hairlines. To achieve flawless, undetectable results, surgeons must fully understand the exact progression of your receding hairline. If you’re too young, this is nearly impossible. But with a little patience and time, the right plan for your individual scalp can be initiated.

Am I Old Enough for a Transplant?

If you’re under 25, chances are you’re too young for a hair transplant. However, the only way to know for sure is to meet with a highly-rated hair transplant surgeon. If you think you might be a good candidate, it never hurts to ask. Even if they suggest waiting a few more years, expect to still receive excellent advice on preserving the hair you have until you’re ready. You’ll also get tips on what to look for when determining when the time’s finally right.

Note: Does a surgeon act overly eager to perform a hair transplant despite your young age and without significant examination? Proceed with serious caution! You may be excited that someone is willing to take on your case, but you’ll regret it when your hairline looks out of place in a few years. This permanent, irreversible procedure is always worth the wait. If reputable doctors suggest holding off—seriously listen.

Reducing Hair Loss Before My Hair Transplant

Learning that you’re too young for a hair transplant is understandably frustrating, but worry not. If you are an appropriate candidate, your time will come.

Until then, don’t just sit around watching nature do its worst. There are plenty of measures you can take to keep your locks as luscious as possible until surgery day arrives. Some of our favorites include:

Medication

Talk to your health care provider to see if medicines developed to slow down the progression of hair loss—and even grow back hair—are right for you. Popular medications like dutasteride and finasteride offer extremely low risks with high-success rates for men battling baldness. In fact, over 75% of patients using finasteride report an increase in hair!

Hair Growth Foam or Serums

Commonly known as Rogaine, minoxidil is a foam or liquid solution with an extremely high rate of effectiveness. According to this study by Hair Loss Daily, 84% of men reported improvement.

Low-Level Laser Light Therapy

A new technology that’s shown significant potential for the future of non-invasive hair loss therapies, low-level laser light therapy has proven be an incredibly promising technique in combatting hair loss. For only two 20-minute sessions per week, a device placed upon your head sends laser light into your scalp stimulating cell activity and hair growth.

These are some of the options younger hair loss sufferers have until they become old enough and eligible for a hair transplant procedure. We understand that waiting can feel like torture, but remember that hair transplant results last forever. Even if your hair is lacking now, whenever the time comes, look forward to a lifetime of gorgeous hair to show off to the world!

Curious if you’re a good candidate for a hair transplant? Our experts at Limmer HTC would love to meet you! Together, we’ll create a hair care plan to help restore the hair of your dreams. Call us today at (210) 496-9992 at or set up an appointment online anytime.